Westerwald Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, see, and eat in Westerwald with this comprehensive travel guide. Plan your perfect trip to this hidden gem in central Germany.


Introduction to Westerwald

Located in Central Europe, Westerwald, Germany, is a stunning region with rolling hills and lush forests. This hidden gem offers plenty of activities for those seeking a quiet getaway or an adventurous trip. Westerwald is nestled between the Rhine and the Sieg River valleys, making it the ideal location for nature lovers, hiking enthusiasts, and outdoor adventurers.

List of Places to Visit in Westerwald

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Westerwald is brimming with cultural and historical sites. Start your adventure with a trip to the following must-see museums and historical places:

  • The Westerwald Ceramic Museum in Hoehr-Grenzhausen, which showcases the region’s famous ceramics
  • The Wissen Castle, which is a well-preserved 14th-century castle
  • The St. Severinus Church in Horhausen, which dates back to the 12th century
  • The Sayn Castle, a fairytale castle that’s now home to a small museum

Natural Attractions of Westerwald: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

For nature lovers, Westerwald is the ideal destination. Explore the great outdoors by visiting the following natural attractions:

  • The Westerwaldsteig hiking trail, a 235-kilometer trail that offers stunning views of the region
  • Brexbachschlucht, a beautiful hiking trail that winds through a scenic ravine
  • The Wildpark in Bad Marienberg, an animal sanctuary where you can see local wildlife up close and personal
  • The Kroppacher Schweiz, a nature reserve known for its beautiful scenery and hiking trails

Hiking/Biking Routes of Westerwald

Westerwald is a paradise for hikers and bikers. With its picturesque scenery and well-maintained trails, it’s easy to spend days exploring the region. Some of the best hiking and biking routes in Westerwald include:

  • The Westerwaldsteig hiking trail, which takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of the region
  • The Lahntal bike trail, which follows the winding Lahn River
  • The Druidensteig hiking trail, which crisscrosses the Westerwald and surrounding hills

Best Things to Do in Westerwald: Activities and Tours

Westerwald offers something for everyone, from outdoor activities to cultural experiences. Here are some of the best things to do in Westerwald:

  • Attend a pottery workshop or take a tour of a ceramics factory
  • Go on a wine tour of the region - Westerwald is home to some excellent wineries
  • Go mountain biking or cycling through the rolling hills of the region
  • Take a hot air balloon ride over the stunning countryside

Week-Long Itinerary for Westerwald

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Westerwald, here’s a sample itinerary to help you plan your days:

  • Day 1: Visit the Westerwald Ceramic Museum and try your hand at pottery making
  • Day 2: Go on a wine tour and taste some of the excellent local wines
  • Day 3: Hike the Westerwaldsteig trail and enjoy the stunning views of the region
  • Day 4: Explore the Brexbachschlucht hiking trail and the nearby Wildpark in Bad Marienberg
  • Day 5: Take a hot air balloon ride over the Westerwald region
  • Day 6: Visit the Sayn Castle and St. Severinus Church
  • Day 7: Relax and enjoy the local cuisine and hospitality

Food and Drink Scene of Westerwald

Must-Try Dishes

Westerwald has a rich culinary tradition. Here are some must-try dishes:

  • Reibekuchen, potato fritters served with applesauce
  • Zimtsterne, cinnamon star cookies
  • Flammkuchen, a thin-crust pizza-like dish topped with onions, bacon and crème fraîche

Local Beverages

Westerwald is known for its excellent local wines. Be sure to try some of the following:

  • Riesling, a white wine that’s popular in the region
  • Müller-Thurgau, a crisp, light white wine
  • Pinot Noir, a red wine that’s also grown in the region

Where to Stay in Westerwald: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Westerwald offers a variety of accommodation options for travelers, from luxury hotels to cozy guesthouses. Here are some recommendations:

  • Schloss Montabaur, a stunning castle hotel with beautiful gardens
  • Hotel Landhaus Krombach, a charming guesthouse with a lovely garden and cozy rooms
  • Jugendherberge Bad Hönningen, a modern hostel in a beautiful historic building

What to Buy in Westerwald: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking to bring a piece of Westerwald home with you, here are some souvenirs and local products to consider:

  • Ceramics and pottery from one of the many local ceramics factories
  • Wine and beer from the region’s excellent wineries and breweries
  • Honey from the region’s beekeepers

Local Culture and Customs of Westerwald

The people of Westerwald are proud of their region and its traditions. Some local customs and cultural highlights include:

  • The annual Oktoberfest celebrations in Horhausen
  • The Westerwaldlied, a popular regional song that’s often played at local events
  • The traditional pottery-making techniques that have been passed down through generations

Best Time to Visit Westerwald

Westerwald is beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring and summer months when the weather is mild and the landscape is in full bloom.

Do’s and Don’ts of Westerwald

Do:

  • Embrace the local culture and traditions
  • Try the local cuisine and drink the regional wines and beers
  • Explore the great outdoors and hike the many trails in the region

Don’t:

  • Ignore the local customs and traditions
  • Disrespect the natural environment and leave trash behind while hiking
  • Try to do too much in one day - take your time and enjoy the laid-back pace of life in Westerwald

Safety and Health

Safety in Westerwald

Westerwald is a safe region to travel to, but it’s always wise to take precautions, such as:

  • Be aware of your surroundings
  • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
  • Keep your valuables safe and secure

Health in Westerwald

Westerwald has an excellent healthcare system, and there are several hospitals and medical centers in the region. Be sure to have travel insurance before you arrive in Westerwald.

Getting to Westerwald: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Westerwald

The closest international airports to Westerwald are Frankfurt Airport, Cologne-Bonn Airport, and Düsseldorf Airport.

Bus Stations Near Westerwald

Westerwald is well-connected to the rest of Germany via bus. The closest bus stations are in Montabaur and Limburg an der Lahn.

Other Options

You can also reach Westerwald by train. The closest train stations are in Montabaur, Koblenz, and Limburg an der Lahn.

How to Get Around in Westerwald

The best way to get around Westerwald is by car, although you can also travel by bus or train. Taxis are also available.

Where to Go Next from Westerwald: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have extra time, consider visiting these nearby destinations:

  • Cologne
  • Koblenz
  • Frankfurt
  • Mainz

Conclusion

Westerwald is a hidden gem in central Germany, with plenty of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and scenic beauty. Whether you’re seeking a quiet getaway or an adventurous trip, Westerwald has something for everyone. Plan your perfect trip with this comprehensive travel guide and discover all that this beautiful region has to offer.